VIDALIA — Even today with all the video game systems, tablets and phones, getting that first bicycle on Christmas is special.

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office wants to help Santa Claus make Christmas special for parish children who might not otherwise receive a gift this holiday season. Spokesman Vernon Stevens said the sheriff’s office hopes to give away 200 to 300 bicycles, and to do that, CPSO needs donations from the community.

“For some children, this may be all they get for Christmas,” Stevens said. “Sheriff (Kenneth) Hedrick feels like every child needs a bike, as it is a good source for recreation and exercise for kids. He just believes in the program and wants to keep it going.”

The “Trikes and Bikes” program began in 1990 and Hedrick kept the tradition going after former Sheriff Randy Maxwell retired.

Stevens said the sheriff’s office takes donations all year, but is particularly active in the month before Christmas.

“We fix them up as best as they can be to get them like new and serviceable,” Stevens said. “If you have an old bike at your house that you are not using, bring it on in.

“And if you want to donate a new bike, feel free to drop it off.”

Hedrick said the community has been giving each holiday season, and he hopes that continues this year. Donations can include tricycles, bicycles, scooters or even battery-powered motorized vehicles for small children, Hedrick said.

“People in this community, they have a good heart,” Hedrick said. “They feel the same way I do — every kid should have a bike.

“I think it is important that every child in the community has a good Christmas.”

Stevens said the sheriff’s office makes it easy for the community to drop bicycles off.

“People can bring them to the garage behind the courthouse,” Stevens said. “You don’t even have to get out of the car. Blow your horn and an inmate (a trusty) will come out and get them.”

Hedrick said the Concordia Parish Correctional Facility trusties to this point have repaired 180 bicycles.

For bicycles beyond repair, Stevens said they are still welcome as parts can be stripped to use on another bicycle.

“Sometimes there may be one that just needs new tires, handle bar grips or chains,” Stevens said.

Cash donations are also welcome, Stevens said, as the money can be used to buy material to repair bikes in rough shape. Monetary donations can be mailed to or brought by the CPSO Bike Fund at the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, 4001 Carter St., Room 7.

Any Concordia Parish family interested in applying for a bicycle may begin Monday, Dec. 5 and applications will be accepted for children 16 and under until Dec. 9. The bicycles will be issued Dec. 19 through Dec. 21.